Freya POV

"My my this will be entertaining," I thought playfully biting my nail.

"Ottar how do you think this will go," I asked my most trusted servant who was standing behind me.

"I believe Bell and his familia will pull through. However, something is telling me it will also go wrong" he said and I could hear a hint of worry in his voice.

"Hmm if that's the case can you watch them from a distance once the war game starts," I asked him already knowing the answer.

"It would be an honor my lady" with that the conversation ended and I went back to staring at his beautiful soul.

Bell POV

It had been two days since the war game was issued. Not much had changed as we knew their familia was weaker than ours. But that still didn't stop Welf from joining us. I had a feeling he would sooner or later given the fact that many people from his familia don't like him. That girl Mikoto also joined which surprised me a little. My guess is she still thinks she owes us a debt that needs to be repaid but hey I won't turn down the extra help. What surprised us the most was that Lili the prum that I had saved nearly two months ago had also joined. She said she owed me for saving her life. We took them all in, of course, not gonna say no to the extra help.

"So any word on what the war game will be," Welf asked as we are breakfast.

"Not yet, we're having a denatus today to figure it out" Hestia replied.

"Well, it doesn't really matter 'cause we're gonna kick some ass" Inosuke all but shouted. He didn't because of a rule Hestia put in.

"Now now Inosuke while they are weaker than us let's not get overconfident. Remember the master saying. Overconfidence leads to one's demise" Rengoku said.

"Well, it'll be good practice for Nezuko to fight people. Cause all she's fought is monsters and animals" I said taking a sip of my water.

I could see out of the corner that Nezuko was nervous. It was expected Nezuko had only really sparred against us in a safe environment but this was different. I made a note in my head to have Zenitsu by her side no matter the game.

"Well, I'll be off. Genya breakfast was good as always. I'll probably be late as this will take a while. Stay out of trouble everyone" Hestia said finishing her breakfast.

We all waved goodbye to her and put our plates in the sink and went about our business. You see while we should be planning for the war game it was kind of hard when we had no clue what to expect so we put that off for the time being. As I was walking to the front door Genya called out to me.

"Yo Bell where you headed today," he asked.

"Was just gonna go visit Syr and Ryu to have a talk with them wanna come with" I replied.

"You sure don't wanna interrupt your threesome"

"Ha ha very funny you coming or not," I said unamused.

"Yeah I'm coming just let me grab my gear," he said before manifesting a shotgun and holster.

"That skill is broken," I said a little jealous.

"Says the one with a god of war in his head" he replied.

I didn't say anything cause I knew he was right. So we just walked out the door. When we got to Main Street the city seemed more packed than it usually was. Probably because of the war game was my guess. After what seemed like forever of trying to weave through crowds of people we finally made it to the hostess. We walked up and I playfully knocked before opening the door as Mia doesn't really care that I'm here as long as I stay out of the way and it was also early.

"You've caused quite the stir up kid" I heard Mia's voice from behind the counter say.

"Well believe it or not I didn't start this one it was Zenitsu," I said.

"Oh really damn what did they say to make the cowardly kid angry," she asked

"Oh, they talked shit about Nezukos brother saying he left her cause he didn't love her. The next thing we know is Zenitsu's literally beating the guy to death. Thus started the bar fight"

"And did he kill him," she asked.

"No Nezuko wouldn't want that so I dragged him off and Rengoku took everyone home. I stayed back grabbed his emblem and that's when we knew Apollo was planning something"

"Huh, you're more perceptive than I gave you credit for," she said putting the mug she was cleaning down.

Before I could ask her where Syr and Ryu were Syr came from the kitchen. "Ok Mama Mia I'm off," she said with a basket in her hands and dressed in a white sundress. Mia bid her farewell and when she turned around and when saw us she had a bright smile on her face.

"Ah, Bell and Genya it's good to see you. I have a favor to ask you" she said.

"Good to see you too Syr where's Ryu," I asked.

"She said she had some business to take care of" she replied which gave me an idea of where she was.

"Ah that's alright then what do you need"

"I need someone to escort me through Daedalus street. Normally it would be Ryu but since she's not here I will humbly ask you two" she said doing a mock bow.

"Alright sure not like we have anything else to do today right Genya? Genya who had not spoken much this entire time shook his head no agreeing with me and then we were off.

"YOU BETTER TAKE CARE OF HER BOYS OR ELSE I'LL SERVE YOU YOUR BALLS FOR BREAKFAST" we heard Mia yell.

We walked and talked having idle chatter along the way as we zigzagged all around Daedalus with its maze-like structure. We just kept walking and walking and holy shit does this place fucking end. We kept walking and I could feel we were close to Syr's destination judging by her smile. When we passed a corner and a ruined church came into view a familiar smell entered my nose. I quickly spun around summoning Draupnier in my hand alerting both Syr and Genya. The latter of which moved to shield Syr with his body.

"What is it Bell," he asked shotgun at the ready.

"I smelled a demon," I said my eyes scanning every nook and cranny of the area we were in. But as soon as the smell was there it was gone.

"But Bell it's the middle of the day," Genya said.

I desummoned Draupneir and turned to face them.

"I know it could've been an old scent from a demon that just died so we should be fine," I said easing the worries of the two. Genya holstered his shotgun and beckoned Syr to lead the way. When we got to the church I thought it looked like the one Hestia used to live in with how rundown it was. Why was Syr here?

She didn't even knock on the door just walked right in and a woman was standing there. She was older than all of us but not by much. She was probably in her early to mid-20s if I had to guess. She had a mature-looking physique with a gentle face and he black hair was tied behind her hair in a ponytail.

"Ah, Syr it's good to see you the kids are waiting for you. Oh, who are these young men" the woman asked. I don't know what it was about her but for some reason, she made this church that had fallen to ruin seem so homey.

"Oh, these are my friends Bell and Genya. They escorted me through the streets since my usual escort is busy" Syr replied.

"Ah well it's a pleasure to meet you both my name is Maria Martel and I run an orphanage here," she said catching Genya and me off guard.

"Nice to meet you to ma'am," I said shaking myself out of my stupor.

"Come this way the children are in here. They'll be excited having new guests" she said as she began walking off. I quickly but gently grabbed Syrs arm and pulled her aside.

"Syr where the hell are we," I asked in a whispered tone.

"An orphanage Ryu and I help out at," she said innocently. Before I could ask another question I heard running and children shouting big sis Syr.

Then swarmed her like the little ants they were nearly knocking her down. She didn't seem to mind as she just giggled and accepted it. The kids who I know saw were a human, half-elf, and a chienthrope or a person with a dog-like appearance.

Once their tunnel vision went away they finally noticed Genya and me standing there like dumbasses.

"Big sis Syr who are they is one of them your boyfriend," the human kid asked.

I heard Genya stifle a laugh while Syr laughed awkwardly. Seeing that this was going nowhere I spoke.

"Nah she's too good for us, anyway I'm Bell this big idiot over here is my buddy Genya," I said introducing ourselves.

"Hi my name is Fina," the chienthrope said:

"I'm Roux," the half-elf said.

"And I'm Rye and once I'm old enough I'm gonna be an adventurer," the human boy said.

I kneeled next to the boy caught a little by surprise by what he said and spoke. "Oh, really an adventurer. What for? I asked.

"So I can get stronger to protect my family and to make money for them as well," he said. From behind me, I heard Maria sigh as if she's heard this before.

"That's a noble goal you have," I said to him. I then saw a smile come across his face.

"But a stupid execution of said goal," I told him my tone turning serious. I heard Maria and Syr gasp behind me and the kid got angry.

"Oh yeah and why is that you think I'm not cut out for it," he said angrily.

"Yes, you are not. You are quick to anger over one simple sentence. An adventurer must always maintain a level head no matter the situation. You also have no combat training or know how to fight for yourself or others at all. Be it that is because of your upbringing so it's not all your fault" I told him.

I could see the kid get angry and sad at the same time. Hell, he was shaking.

"Look I'm treating you as any other adventurer would. The dungeon does not care if you're a child you're just another body all the same. But that doesn't mean to give up on your dream. I've taken just one look at you and I can tell you're smart and very smart at that. Become a supporter first and get experience in the dungeon first. Then think about fighting" I told him then patted him on the shoulder.

"But what if no familia accepts me," he said his voice broken but I could tell he was trying to remain strong.

"Well if no one else will have you once you are 14 come to the Hestia familia there will be a spot for you" I stopped seeing his eyes brighten up. "But only when you are 14 will you start looking for familia's and not before," I told him. With that, the happy atmosphere returned which led to me and Genya playing with the children. After a while, Syr led me outside to a garden in the church and we both sat down. She surprised me by laying her head on my lap.

"Maria's mad about what you said to Rye," she told me.

"Don't worry if I can face an irregular Goliath I can face Maria" I said jokingly. I heard her giggle a little bit before she snuggled more on my lap.

"But I'm gonna guess this isn't the first time he's said this? I questioned.

"No it wasn't and Maria's been trying to persuade him to abandon his dream"

"Well, he's his own person Maria won't be able to tell him what to do for much longer. But I have a feeling she's seen many of the kids that were here before become adventurers and not come back" Syr said nothing but shook her head.

"Well if the little shit decides to join my familia I'll make sure to keep an eye on him," I said. That ended our conversation and we sat there in silence just enjoying the sunlight. For some reason, this felt oddly peaceful. I don't know why it did but I just felt like I could let all my worries out and breathe.

I felt Syr move below me trying to get more comfortable I guessed. That was until she laid on her back as she was laying on her side before and looked up at me.

"You enjoying yourself," I said an eyebrow quirked.

"Yup, I have you on top of me," she said a teasing smirk on her face.

"I worry about you and your dirty mind sometimes," I said.

"What so you're not flustered by little ol me," she said faking sadness.

"Many women have tried and many have failed," I said. She giggled like a child before sitting up.

"Well, I guess it's time we go you should be heading home to get ready for the war game," she said dusting off her skirt.

"Well I'll walk you back Genya already went on ahead. He doesn't do well with people, especially kids" I said somewhat feeling bad for my friend.

"I'm assuming something happened to make him that way," she asked concern in her voice.

"Yeah, Something happened to all of us when we were young but I think out of the four of us he was hit the hardest" I replied.

"Well I shall wish that you and his friends stay by his side until he's ready to open up," she said her voice chipper again.

We walked for a minute before I spoke again. "You really are a kind person Syr. Probably one of the kindest I've met" I said sincerely.

"Oh Bell you flatter me," she said coyly.

"Please woman my very presence flatters you" I joked back. Syr laughed at the joke and before we knew it we were back at the hostess. We stopped at the steps the bar was a little busy but Syr would not be needed yet. "I had fun today Bell thank you for coming with me," she said and I could hear the sincerity in her voice.

"I did as well Syr, and thank you for introducing me to the little hell birds" I replied a smile on my face. Syr smiled back at me and then hugged me. "Good luck Bell," she said before releasing the hug. With that, she went inside the hostess and I went home.

Rengoku POV near Oraio's gate.

"Alright children let's load up the cart and get ready to head out," I said to my familia who to my surprise was already loading the cart.

"Ha must be getting old Rengoku I already beat ya to it" I heard Bell say while chuckling.

I said nothing but threw a suitcase at him. He caught it but since he didn't expect it he fell flat on his ass.

"Hmm must be getting old Bell your eyes are bad" I replied walking past him.

"Ha ha, funny dickhead" I heard him say sarcastically below the suitcase. He of course was able to get it off him with no problem and load it into the cart.

Once we finished loading the cart we realized we don't have enough room for everyone to fit in. But I had already thought of that and summoned extra horses for individual riders.

"I call dibs on the last horse" I heard Bell say and groans of protest from those who failed to claim the last one.

"Do you even know how to ride a horse master Bell?" Lili said.

"Yes Lili believe it or not I used to be a farm boy and my grandpa taught me to ride one. Of course, he also thought it'd be funny to put me on a horse and then smack its ass but I still learned" he replied causing a laugh from the group.

"And we also don't want Genya on one he'll break its back" Zenitsu joked which caused another bout of laughter from the group with Genya playfully shoving Zenitsu.

"YOU GUYS" we heard our goddess call and we saw her with our friends as well. They were waiting by the entrance of Orario.

"Look at that a going away parade" Welf joked.

We continued to ride as we had to be there by a certain time but that didn't stop us from waving and saying our goodbyes.

"DON'T WORRY WE'LL WIN" I heard Inosuke laugh before sitting back down. We then passed through the gates hearing them close behind us beginning our journey towards the war game.

"Rengoku you never did tell us what the war game was," Bell said as he rode next to me. If I was, to be honest, he kind of looked like a knight with his armor on and riding a horse.

"It's simple Bell. We are to besiege a castle" I said keeping my eyes on the road.

"What the nine of us vs a hundred," he asked. I said nothing but nodded in agreement.

"Well then this'll be easy," he said before riding ahead a little.

"You all ready back there," I asked to the passengers in the back of the cart. I heard sounds of cheers and agreement which gave me my answer, and as such, we headed off to the war game.

Well if you haven't guessed the next chapter is the start of the war game and I'm very excited to write it. I hope you enjoy this build-up chapter for it and what could go wrong that Freya asked Ottar to watch from a closer distance. I don't know but let's find out together. As always leave a comment or criticism doesn't matter to me. I hope you enjoyed now peace.